Tom Hingley shot to fame as lead singer of revered Manchester sixties keyboard-led heroes Inspiral Carpets, before turning his attention to a solo career that began with 2000’s Keep Britain Tidy, and has subsequently involved much-lauded releases such as Thames Valley Delta Blues (2009) and Paper (2013). Add to this his work with The Lovers – including two LPs, an EP and a single – and it’s fair to say few can match his oeuvre for variety.
Alongside his comrades in arms – Ste Pearce (Dirty Saint), and Malcolm Law (Silent Partners) – the Tom Hingley band are once again on a punk, rock ‘n’ roll and soul tip, veering from Bowie’s Tin Machine era to The Jimi Hendrix Experience read through the eyes of Frank Spencer. Or something like that.
From its beginnings in 2007, Record Store Day has grown into an international celebration of music culture, with the great and good of indie, rock, pop, electronica and more all involved in the annual event, with the legendary UK songwriter deciding to use its platform to raise awareness for two worthy causes via the new single. Recipients of the ‘Beggar’s Hand’ proceeds are Liverpool community initiative, Hope Fest, and the Manchester-based Lifeshare. Both are concerned with homelessness, providing much-needed support, signposting, food and emergency items for rough sleepers, with the North West having seen an exponential rise in service users over the last five years. Causes deserving of such talent, to say the least. These charities tie in with the polemic of the single, and accompanying stunning video, directed by Paul Mortlock.
“We’re really proud to be part of record store day. I had a career with the Inspiral Carpets selling vinyl and CDs. With the advent of downloading and streaming it’s nice to be a butterfly once again, and fly the vinyl format for one day, transforming from a grub into the beautiful Red Admiral of a physical artefact,” said Hingley
“The training programmes offer work experience at the festival and the transferable skills attendees gain can help toward finding employment and shelter, as well as breaking the cycle of homelessness. We also have a street team in operation in Liverpool, providing hot drinks, soup and warm clothing as well as advice to those in need.”
“Lifeshare works to meet the needs of homeless and vulnerable people in Manchester and Salford offering support, advice and practical help including food parcels, weekend breakfasts, clothes and toiletries as well as an open-house Christmas project. Tom has already supported the charity by playing at our Christmas Project last year. We are over the moon that he is releasing a single for Record Store Day and donating profits to us which will enable Lifeshare to continue working towards preventing the cycle of homelessness, promoting health and reducing harm,” said Lifeshare Team Leader Judith Vickers.